80-year-old Murdoch smothered with 'white foam'; attacked

London, Jul 20: Media baron Rupert Murdoch who is currently embroiled in the massive phone hacking scandal had to face further embarrassment when he was subject to attack by a protester during his questioning by the British parliamentary committee. He was apparently attacked with a custard pie - a dish of white foam. There are also reports that he was attacked with shaving foam.

Murdoch was facing the grilling questions along with his son James Murdoch when the man emerged from the public area of the committee room and smothered the 80 year old man with the pie. With the Murdoch grilling being televised, the entire episode was witnessed by millions across the world.

With the dramatic visuals aired live, the efforts of Murdoch's wife, Wendi Deng who was sitting right beside him was highlighted. She jumped from her place and slapped the attacker. He was later taken into control by police officials. The committee session resumed after being suspended for a few minutes.

He was later quoted as saying, "This is the most humble day of my life." He added that he was “shocked, appalled and ashamed" when the news broke out on the scandal that quickly turned into a “firestorm", that was how the scam was referred by British prime Minister David Cameron. The PM also stated that the scandal had shaken the Britons" trust in the press, police and politicians.

Rupert Murdoch during the course of questioning said that he was misled on the phone hacking scandal.